Preparing for a more complete spiritual Christmas

Every year I am caught up in the yearly calendar, hoping for a bit more time for many things and more importantly, for the most important persons in my life.

In doing so, I am forced to reflect on the place of Jesus Christ in my personal life. For me as Catholic priest, I know that I believe and I strive to do as Christ lived and instructed his disciples to do. But am I?

Are we individually living up to that challenge and invitation, or instead just saying we are?

May I suggest that you and your families put aside time, set goals for yourselves and name and claim the season of Advent as part of that intentional spiritual journey of faith. You won’t find in on the Web, you won’t find it on your cellphones, iPads, iPods or even at the mall! So where might we look and where might any of us begin? Humbly may I suggest in the quiet of your heart.

Quietly first as a family talking with the Lord, reading the infancy narratives of sacred scripture and striving personally and as a family to be ever more thankful for the gift of Jesus Christ to all of humanity and most particularly, to you and your family!

Blessed Advent folks, and the hope and prayer for your holiest and most spiritually meaningful Christmas ever!

The Rev. Joseph Smith is the pastor of the historic St. Anne Catholic Church in Richmond Hill. He can be reached at 912-756-3338.